Gingivitis-How It Affects Your Oral Health

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Being a common and mild gum infection, Gingivitis leads to irritation, inflammation (swelling) and redness of the gums. As this oral health condition can be mild, you might not notice any symptoms. However, it is extremely important to take this condition seriously and ensure its prompt treatment. If not treated, gingivitis can cause periodontitis and may lead to tooth loss.

Normally, gums are pale pink and firm. If you feel that your gums are dusky red, bleed easily and puffy, then you might have gingivitis. Some of the symptoms of this oral health condition are as follows:

  • Swollen gums
  • Receding gums
  • Puffy, bleeding, soft gums
  • Sometimes, tender gums
  • Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing the teeth, sometimes appearing as pinkness or redness on the brush or floss
  • Bad breath
  • Changing color of the gums from a normal pale pink to dusky red ]

Gingivitis usually occurs due to poor dental hygiene. Therefore, it is important to brush and floss your teeth daily and schedule regular dental checkups every 4 to 6 months to make sure your oral health isn’t at stake.